Acts 12:1–19: Patience in Prayer
Introduction
Each new wave of persecution forces the church to grapple with the Lord’s sovereign control over the situation, compassion for his people, and wisdom in what he ordains. Here, we see the church responding to persecution in the best way possible: by offering “earnest prayer” to the Lord on behalf of Peter when he is imprisoned (v. 5). Yet, when Peter is released from prison, they do not believe that God has actually answered their prayers. This whole passage reminds us that we need the Lord to strengthen our faith in order to pray, and to strengthen our faith through prayer. Toward this end, this passage teaches us to pray with patience.
Discussion Questions
1. Who was “Herod” (v. 1)? Why was he so interested in pleasing the Jews (v. 3)? What had Jesus told Peter about his eventual death (John 21:18–19)? What did Jesus tell Peter when Peter asked about whether John would share his fate also (John 21:21–22)? What happened to John’s brother, James (v. 2)? What ultimately happens to Peter in this passage? What can we learn about trying to compare God’s appointment in our lives with that of others?
2. What was the church doing when Peter was imprisoned (v. 5)? What would have happened to Peter the next day if the Lord had not intervened (v. 6)? Why might God have waited so long to rescue Peter? What do we observe about the behavior of the angel toward Peter (vv. 7–10)? What does Peter think is happening (v. 9)? What does he come to understand once he “came to himself” (v. 11)?
3. Where does Peter go after being delivered out of prison (v. 12)? Who is Mark (v. 12)? Why do you think that the church struggles to believe that Peter has been released (v. 16)? What is significant about the fact that Peter specifically asks for James (the brother of Jesus) to be notified about his departure (v. 17)? How does Herod’s interrogation of the sentries compare to the Sanhedrin’s actions toward the guards at Jesus’ tomb (Matt. 28:11–15)?
4. What have you been praying for over a long period of time? How has your faith continued to move you toward prayer? How has your faith been stretched, especially the longer that God does not seem to be answering your request? How does the Lord expose and strengthen the weakness of our faith through prayer? How does that thought encourage us to continue praying, even when the Lord does not seem to be answering our prayers?
